Souna and Tsubaki exchanged glances, slightly taken aback by the boy's charming smile. They noticed that he had unconsciously used a charm ability—a typical power of succubi and incubi. In his case, it seemed weaker, merely creating a pleasant impression without the controlling effect of a more potent succubus or incubus.
Souna sighed softly, gathering her thoughts. How could she explain to him that she had turned him into a demon?
— Hello, I am Shitori Souna, and this is Shinra Tsubaki — she said calmly, with a gentle smile. Tsubaki gave a brief nod, observing him attentively.
The boy hesitated but smiled and replied politely:
— Pleased to meet you… My name is Yamamoto Kai. You can just call me Kai.
Although nervous to be in the presence of characters he only knew from another world, Kai did his best to act naturally. However, his mind was racing with concerns. He was in a new world, without an identity, a home, or any idea of how to survive.
— So, Kai… we found you injured in a park near the school. Can you tell us what happened? — Souna asked, adopting a serious expression.
Kai tensed. How could he explain that he had been hit by a truck in his world and somehow woke up in an anime universe? He knew his situation was complicated, and a plan began to form in his mind.
— Aaaggghh! — he cried out, clutching his head and pretending to feel intense pain. Immediately, Souna and Tsubaki moved closer, visibly concerned.
— What happened? — Souna asked, frowning.
— I don't know… When I try to remember what happened, my head hurts… a lot… — he replied, feigning confusion.
Tsubaki exchanged a look with Souna and asked:
— What's the last thing you remember?
Kai almost smiled. He had to keep up the disguise. Taking a deep breath, he replied with a slightly trembling voice:
— I… I was waiting at the bus stop. It was late, and the place was empty… Then, a man ran by and took my bag. I chased him, and he went into an alley. After that… I don't remember anything.
Tsubaki observed him, searching for any flaws in his expression. She seemed skeptical but continued the conversation.
— Why did you risk so much for a bag? It could have been dangerous, especially in a deserted place — she said, reprimanding him with a serious tone.
Kai lowered his head, feigning regret.
— I had no choice… It was the only money I had, an inheritance left by my grandfather. Besides, my two katanas were in the bag. I thought that… if I found him, I could scare him off and get everything back.
Souna studied the boy for a moment, and he had the sense that she was considering his situation carefully.
— So, you don't have a place to stay? — she asked, her gaze seemingly seeing beyond his words.
He nodded timidly, hoping she would believe him. After a long silence, Souna finally spoke:
— From today on, you'll live with me.
Kai was surprised. He had never imagined she would offer him shelter so readily.
Before he could respond, Souna seemed to remember something important. She looked into his eyes and said seriously:
— I need to clarify something important. — She took a deep breath, her next words firm and clear. — I am Shitori Souna. And I am a demon.
As she said this, black wings emerged from her back, spreading elegantly. Tsubaki followed suit, revealing her own wings, which resembled those of a bat.
Kai jumped off the bed, shocked. Even though he knew, he felt a wave of astonishment seeing the transformation up close. Still dazed, he sensed something on his back. Glancing over his shoulder, he noticed a pair of black wings.
"I… really am no longer human."
Hours Later, at Souna's New Home
They arrived at Souna's house, a large two-story building with a classic, understated architecture. Kai had expected her to live in an imposing mansion, but the house was cozy and functional.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a spacious living room, furnished with comfortable sofas and several bookshelves. Souna pointed to the staircase.
— Your room is at the end of the hall. Tomorrow, we'll start teaching you what it means to be a demon — Souna said, heading toward a side room filled with books and documents. Tsubaki followed her, giving Kai one last look before disappearing.
Kai climbed the stairs to his room. As soon as he entered, he noticed his katanas resting against a corner, and the journal he had inherited from his grandfather was on the desk. Without thinking twice, he lay down on the bed, physically and mentally exhausted. The accident, the transition to this new world, and his reincarnation as a demon had been intense. "I'll go over all of this tomorrow," he thought before falling into a deep sleep.
The Next Day
Kai woke up early, excited for his first day of training as a demon. After a shower, he noticed that his old clothes were torn and bloodstained, but Tsubaki had left new clothes in his room: a simple black shirt and pants. After dressing, he went down to the kitchen.
While preparing breakfast, he reflected on what Souna had said. He learned that, in this world, she was the student council president, and Tsubaki was the vice president. This meant he still had a year before the events of the anime would unfold.
As he placed breakfast on the table, he glanced at his reflection in a plate and was amazed. He looked about 16 years old again. "So that's what she meant about my body," he thought, recalling that Souna had explained that upon reincarnation, his body had been rejuvenated. She believed that his strange energy might have something to do with this change.
Soon, he heard footsteps on the stairs. Souna and Tsubaki appeared. Souna wore an oversized shirt that reached her knees, while Tsubaki wore a purple top and shorts. Kai greeted them, feeling a bit embarrassed.
— Don't you mind wearing those clothes? — he asked, trying to hide his nervousness.
— Don't you like what you see? — they teased, smiling.
He laughed, surprised by their change in attitude, and replied:
— I do. And if I may say, I'd be happy to see you like this every morning.
Surprised by his response, both laughed and took their seats. During breakfast, Souna began to explain the basics of being a demon.
— All demons have enhanced physical and sensory abilities. We possess superhuman strength, endurance, and improved vision, especially in the dark. We can fly using our wings, and we have the ability to speak any language naturally — she explained.
— But we have weaknesses, right? — Kai asked, curious.
— Exactly. We can't approach sacred symbols or objects, like crucifixes or holy water. Our energy also drains in sunlight, but over time, we can develop resistance.
Souna then explained the hierarchical system of demons, divided into four classes: low, middle, high, and ultimate.
— And I'm a low-class demon, right? — Kai asked.
— Yes, and there are three ways to rise in rank: contracts, military achievements, and the Rating Games — Souna explained. — But for you, contracts are the only viable option for now.
She detailed what a demon's job entailed: fulfilling their clients' wishes in exchange for favors. This was the traditional method for reincarnated demons, but climbing ranks through contracts would take time.
— That's all for today — Souna concluded, standing up. — I'll be busy for the next few days. Tsubaki will teach you how to make contracts and help you train. And next month, we'll have a mission: finding a familiar for you.
Kai nodded, enthusiastic, while Tsubaki gave him instructions for the evening, when demons conducted their tasks. Looking outside, he noticed the sunlight and quickly stepped away from the window, feeling uncomfortable.
With new instructions and ideas, he prepared for his first real day as a demon.